Nigerian Returnees Face Uncertain Future After Fleeing South Africa Violence

Nigerian returnee Iniebong James is struggling to rebuild his life after fleeing rising anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, where he had lived and worked as a mechanic for 10 years despite overstaying his visa. He returned to Nigeria as part of a government repatriation programme but now faces severe economic hardship, high inflation and uncertainty about employment. The recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has prompted several African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to evacuate their citizens and condemn the violence.

When the aircraft carrying hundreds of Nigerians fleeing rising hostility in South Africa touched down in Lagos last week, 52-year-old Iniebong James experienced an overwhelming sense of relief. For the first time in years, he felt safe. However, that relief was quickly replaced by uncertainty and anxiety about what lay ahead.
Nearly two weeks after returning to Nigeria, James is struggling to readjust to the life he left behind a decade ago. Ten years earlier, he had departed Nigeria with hopes of building a better future in South Africa after securing a six-month visitor's visa. Like many migrants seeking improved economic opportunities, he chose to remain in South Africa after his visa expired.
Despite lacking legal residency status, James managed to establish himself in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, where he worked as a car mechanic. Over the years, he built a livelihood and attempted to create stability for himself. However, his situation took a dramatic turn in May when he became a victim of anti-immigrant violence.
According to James, he was attacked by anti-immigrant protesters, sustaining a serious head injury during the assault. The attack occurred amid growing anti-migrant sentiment across South Africa, where demonstrations demanding the removal of undocumented migrants have become increasingly common. Reports of violence, intimidation and harassment directed at foreign nationals have also intensified in recent months.
The worsening atmosphere has prompted several African governments, including Nigeria's, to evacuate their citizens from South Africa. Hundreds of migrants from Nigeria and other African countries have recently been repatriated amid fears for their safety and growing concerns over escalating tensions.
For many years, South Africa has remained a preferred destination for migrants from across the African continent due to its relatively stronger economy and greater employment opportunities. Nigerians, in particular, have been among those seeking better economic prospects in the country. However, periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have repeatedly threatened the safety of foreign nationals.
Many South Africans blame immigrants for the country's high unemployment rate, widespread poverty, pressure on public services and rising crime, although analysts argue that these challenges are rooted in broader structural economic issues.
Before relocating to South Africa, James worked as a truck driver for a haulage company in Lagos. However, his employer shut down in 2016 when Nigeria slipped into its first recession in over two decades. While unemployment was a major concern, James said the persistent power outages that crippled businesses and daily life ultimately convinced him to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities.
Living in South Africa without valid immigration documents was not easy. James alleged that he regularly paid bribes to local community police officers, handing over about 200 rand (approximately $12.14) every week to keep his workshop operating. He also claimed that he paid immigration officials on two separate occasions following his arrest. These allegations, however, could not be independently verified.
Despite the hardships he endured abroad, James says he is grateful to have returned home because he has regained his freedom and no longer lives in fear. Nevertheless, he worries about his future, acknowledging that Nigeria's economic situation has deteriorated significantly since he left.
"I would submit my CV if anybody can accept me, but I am still hoping for the government to help me with a job," James said.
Starting life over after spending a decade abroad is proving extremely challenging. Yet, when the Nigerian government announced plans last month to repatriate citizens willing to return from South Africa, James decided it was time to come home and begin anew. He was among the first batch of Nigerians flown back on June 11.
However, the Nigeria he returned to is vastly different from the one he left behind. Over the last decade, the country's economy has experienced severe difficulties, prompting President Bola Tinubu's administration to introduce wide-ranging economic reforms in 2023.
Among the most significant reforms was the removal of longstanding fuel subsidies that had kept petrol prices artificially low for decades. The government also allowed the naira to float more freely in line with market forces. While officials argued that these measures were necessary to stabilise the economy, they have also contributed to soaring inflation and increased hardship for millions of Nigerians.
The situation was further exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which affected international oil markets and pushed fuel prices even higher. As a result, fuel prices in Nigeria have risen dramatically.
When James left Nigeria in 2016, a litre of petrol sold for just 85 naira, equivalent to roughly 10 cents. On the day he returned, the same quantity was being sold for approximately 1,400 naira, or about $1.03.
"Everything is too expensive," he lamented.
The Nigerian government has assured returning citizens that they will receive the necessary support and assistance before being reunited with their families. However, details regarding long-term reintegration programmes for returnees remain unclear. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to publicly outline comprehensive plans to assist repatriated citizens in rebuilding their lives.
Margaret Monyani, founder of the Johannesburg-based migration think tank OLAM Africa Research Institute, stressed that returning home after years abroad often comes with enormous challenges.
"Repatriation is not transformation," Monyani said. "Returning is not always as straightforward as it sounds."
The latest wave of protests in South Africa has triggered strong diplomatic responses from several African governments, including those of Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi, all of which have facilitated the return of hundreds of their nationals. Nigeria and Ghana have summoned South African diplomatic representatives and issued strong statements condemning attacks against their citizens.
Addressing the returnees upon their arrival, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged them to prioritise their safety above all else.
"The price of your peace, and the safety of your children, is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment. Survival is the noblest form of vengeance," she said in a statement delivered through government representatives.